Are you surprised by this word 'sexting'. What does it mean? This is not something to panic over.But being a little careful can save your child from engaging in interactive obscenity.The term 'sexting' was coined by the media without dwelling much on its consequences.Online sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages and texts via cell phone or instant messenger.As technology has advanced and cell phones have the capability to record and send photos,it has become a common practice among teenagers of sending their nude and semi-nude photos and videos online.But such images are classified as child pornography by law.The shocking news is once these images are online or on a cellphone, anyone anywhere in the world can access them. It is then impossible to retrieve and delete them. They are there forever and can damage future career prospects or relationships.Girls as young as 13 have confessed of sending sexually explicit images to their boyfriends on their mobiles phones, which were then passed on to other friends and even further once the relationships ended. Teenagers who see this as an innocent joke or harmless flirting have never thought of the serious consequences this can lead to if it falls into the wrong hands.

These images or sexually explicit text messages can be posted on the Internet or forwarded to others, which can end up in harassment or even sexual assault.So this has become a serious issue regarding parental caring and guidance.Your kids are in risk and drawing their attention about this inhumane deed is unavoidable.Some of the possible results of online sexting are shame,humiliation,social isolation,depression,cyber-bullying,cyber-stalking, sex-offender registration, imprisonment and suicide.The key to helping teens understand the seriousness of online sexting is to educate them to the possible ramifications and help them understand that the consequences can be long term and life altering.This is another form of online cyberbullying.The best approach that can be adopted by parents is to take a non-judgmental and informational approach. Keeping the dialogue open leaves room for your kids to talk with you rather than hiding things away.Instead of you trying to do most of the talking, give space to listen to what your teen has to say. Helping them think about the possible consequences of their behavior and also the type of image they'd like to represent to the world is one way to encourage them to come to their own conclusions.Encourage your teen to respect him/herself and encourage them to develop healthy relationships.Emphasizing empathy for your fellowmates can put a hook on the promotion of such digital disease.

So remember that your kids are being watched by others and that you are paying for the access your child has to online sexting.